An easy housework routine for working mums

Lost in a sea of housework whilst trying to balance it with parenting and working? This post maps out how you can create an easy housework routine that will really work for you and your family. Remember – just because you’re the one organising it, it doesn’t just have to be you doing the housework.

I have finally got an easy housework routine that works for me as a working mum.

I started motherhood as the queen of domestic dummies, who barely knew one end of the vacuum from the other.

But I’ve learnt the hard way if I don’t do a few simple things every day I spend more time … much more time! … sorting out the consequences.

More time…

Hunting for stuff in the mess.

Piling up dishes before I can even start making a meal.

Rewashing laundry for the third time because I forgot to take it out.

This pushes me into a realm of grumpiness that you do not want to witness.

Now, knowing that a routine would help is one thing.

Finding an easy housework routine that actually helps and that you can stick to when you’re trying to balance working with parenting and getting the housework done, is quite another!

Keep going with all 10 actions but every 3 days focus mind on next action

My personal routine

To give you a practical example these are my 10 actions, the consequences of not doing them and the three big benefits for me of following the routine …

Action

Problem solved

1. Load, run & empty dishwasher

Dishes stacked all over work tops & sink

2. Empty bins & compost crock

Bins overflowing & stinking!

3. Keep towels in bathroom

Soggy towels in bedroom; more laundry

4. Put clothes in laundry basket or hang up

Messy bedroom, bathroom; more laundry

5. Make beds

Bedrooms look like tips; beds uncomfy

6. Wipe work tops & sink, brush up crumbs

Unhygienic; takes longer; crumbs in carpet

7. Wipe round basin, bath rim & loo

Bathroom grim; needs big weekly clean

8. Get clothes & bag ready for tomorrow

Running around like a nutter in the morning

9. Open & file post & e-mail

Gets out of control; worry about contents

10. Two minute tidy

Breaking your neck on stuff all over floor!

Three big benefits of maintaining a daily housework routine

It saves me time

Makes me calmer and less grumpy

It’s easier to get rest of family to help

There you go!

That’s it – give it a go and let me know how you get on.

And if you found this helpful do check out my other housework posts … they are full of simple, planet-friendly, sanity-saving tips that help even us domestic dummies keep on top of it all, at least some of the time!

Brilliant post – and I can’t believe all those who’ve linked up! I have to confess to employing a cleaner but it’s the every day stuff that drives me mad. Thank you for giving me more focus and I will give it more attention and thought! 🙂

Long ago a friend told me how to eliminate the unmade bed issue–make it before you get out. You sit in the middle, toss the pillows to the center of the bed, pull up the sheets and blankets and straighten them out. Slide out the side putting the pillows in place as you go. Even the kids can do it. I may not get the dusting done, but the beds get made!

I love this! I love that you pointed out that everyone has different houses, problems, needs, and bad habits to overcome! I always read different routines and think “Yeah, that doesn’t work for me because…”. Thank you for breaking it down so I can make something that works for ME! 🙂